Shirley Ann (Finch) Blakeman, age 83, of Denver passed away peacefully, surround by her family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Shirley is survived by her two children: Colleena Kay Blakeman and Becky Jo Bigsby and son-in law Quintin Wayne Bigsby, one grandchild: Abbigale Lynn Rivard and husband, Cliff Alexander Rivard, six great grandchildren: Faye Lynn Blakeman, Frederick Seamus Rivard, Chloe JoAnn Rivard, Addilade Rose Rivard, Cliff Alexander Rivard Jr. and Ralph Quintin Rivard, sister: Mary Alice (Finch) Fornash, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great niece.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph William Blakeman, siblings: Frank Orman Finch, Euleta Belle (Finch) Kuhlman, Millard Dale Finch, Barbara Lee (Finch) Gates, Linda Kay (Finch) McFarland, mother: Beva Sarah (Campbell) Finch and father: Orman Gardner Finch. And all her beloved four-legged furry babies.
Shirley Anne (Finch) Blakeman was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on June 5, 1941, and grew up in Oak Creek, Colorado where at a town dance she met and fell in love with the love of her life, Ralph “Bill” William Blakeman. Shirley and Bill were married on March 4, 1962, and enjoyed a 50-year marriage.
Shirley loved to make quilts for her family, friends and most of all, the new babies that were joining her family. She created all of her quilts with such care knowing that each one would wrap the person in her love. These quilts proved to be one of her most fulfilling gifts and now her legacy. She also loved her trash T.V. – Jerry Springer, Lauren Lake, Maury Povich, Steve Wilkos, and countless other relativity shows. WWF wrestling was also a favorite pass time where she would attend live WWF wrestling events with family and friends. Shirley enjoyed many types of parties from Birthday, Halloween, Christmas, or a good wedding (especially if the Chicken Dance would be played.) She loved to dress in the theme of the party from her beautiful dress clothes to Marge Simpson, a witch or even a gangster.
Shirley had a drive for adventures from an early age. She was strong, resilient, tenacious and was not going to be left behind for any reason. She would always have the next adventures planned, such as trying the next new restaurant or cruise, sometimes even before she would finish the adventure she was on. She took great joy in taking these adventures with her family and friends, creating unforgettable memories and a lifetime of stories.
Shirley was spirited and always spoke her mind (whether it was PC or not) which earned her several nicknames such as no filter and firecracker. Other beloved names she was called are Grandma, Gram, Shirl and Shir Shir. Her most favorite name of all was GG. However, Shirley will be most remembered for her love of family, generous nature to help anyone with anything at anytime. She was the one person that family and friends could call and know that whatever they needed, she and Ralph would be there in a minute’s notice to help.
GG we will love and miss you dearly!
Service:
Friday, February 14, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 901 S. Sheridan Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80226. Followed by a 2:00 P.M. Committal Service at Ft. Logan. Please gather in Staging Area A.
You are welcome to wear bright colors or purple in honor of Shirley’s love of those colors.
Following the services, please join the family to celebrate Shirley’s life at Danny Ray’s Restraunt,11353 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, CO 80215.
If you have a favorite quilt made by Shirley, please bring it to the celebration of life at Danny Ray’s Restaurant.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cripple Creek Donkey Fund in her memory. cripplecreekdonkeys.com
Friday, February 14, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Mountain time)
Newcomer Funeral Home, West Metro
Livestream
Friday, February 14, 2025
2:00 - 2:30 pm (Mountain time)
Ft. Logan National Cemetery
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